Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

 Xbox 360
User Score
3.5

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 8685 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,253 out of 8685
  2. Mixed: 954 out of 8685
  3. Negative: 5,478 out of 8685
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  1. Brother3Wright
    Nov 9, 2011
    6
    MW3 is not a bad game, and to those new to the series it'll probably be something new and exciting. For those that have been following CoD for a while now though it's one step forward, two steps back. Gone is the customization, money system, and emblem creation from Black Ops that helped move the series forward. Instead those are replaced by the same systems that already existed in MW2. IMW3 is not a bad game, and to those new to the series it'll probably be something new and exciting. For those that have been following CoD for a while now though it's one step forward, two steps back. Gone is the customization, money system, and emblem creation from Black Ops that helped move the series forward. Instead those are replaced by the same systems that already existed in MW2. I personally took a break and didn't buy Black Ops as I had burnt out on MW2. I had thought that with new blood at Infinity Ward they would continue to move the series forward, but instead they moved a bunch of stuff around, renamed some other stuff and added very little that's actually "new". I feel like this is an alternate reality in which Black Ops didn't exist, instead of building off the improvements that game made they used MW2 as a base and built off of that. That's all fine and well, but the problem is that Black Ops DID exist and already made improvements to some of the systems MW2 and 3 use. So while MW3 isn't a bad game by any means, it isn't particularly innovative or exciting either.… Expand
  2. Gladio77
    Nov 19, 2011
    6
    I just got screwed by the marketing machine. I was expecting a game with improvements in gameplay, graphics and sound. Kinda works like that otherwise we would all be still paying pong and pacman.

    Not in this case. Exactly the same as his predecessors which are two year old games. I paid a lot of money for a game with little effort. The 1 is to compensate for the fanboys give this 10's    I just got screwed by the marketing machine. I was expecting a game with improvements in gameplay, graphics and sound. Kinda works like that otherwise we would all be still paying pong and pacman.

    Not in this case. Exactly the same as his predecessors which are two year old games. I paid a lot of money for a game with little effort. The 1 is to compensate for the fanboys give this 10's and that includes that corrupt game journalist whose sites shall not be visited anymore ( just gamespy who gave a fair judgement)    … Expand
  3. fanbanta1
    Nov 8, 2011
    6
    Call of Duty MW3 is fun. I like the multiplayer but it just feels like a overpriced expansion pack.
    And at 55 pounds it is not doing itself any favours.
    If you are a die hard fan get it.
    If not don't because its a thrill ride for the first month i bet.
  4. drlowdon
    May 2, 2020
    6
    Each new Call of Duty release has now become a truly global event as the hype machine builds towards its launch. Anyone who is a fan of the franchise will be getting exactly what they expect for their money. The campaign is as action packed as ever but even at just four hours long it became a bit of a chore to play through as it offers little that hasn’t already been seen in previousEach new Call of Duty release has now become a truly global event as the hype machine builds towards its launch. Anyone who is a fan of the franchise will be getting exactly what they expect for their money. The campaign is as action packed as ever but even at just four hours long it became a bit of a chore to play through as it offers little that hasn’t already been seen in previous entries in the series. Other criticisms that could be levelled at any Call of Duty game, such as an over reliance on scripted events and sections with infinitely respawning enemies, also still apply here. On occasions it is easy to get wrapped up in everything that is going on but for me these instances were the exception rather than the rule.

    Online multiplayer has also changed very little aside from a few new perks. The maps themselves are however rather disappointing this time around, none of them are downright poor but none could really be considered a true classic in the same way as Crash or Overgrown from previous games. In fact there is a distinct lack of variety in the maps with none really offering the opportunity for sniping or long range combat (although some may see this as a good thing I suppose). The Special Ops missions from Modern Warfare 2 also return and provide a good selection of challenging co-op game. In the end, despite the fact that the formula is now starting to wear a little thin, it seems as though the majority of people aren’t disappointed with Modern Warfare 3 as sales yet again reached record numbers.    … Expand
  5. KAS--Will
    Jan 6, 2012
    6
    In 100% honesty, between Battlefield 3 and Modern Warfare 3, they both suck, and the earlier games in the franchise could do you better... FAR better. Modern Warfare 3 lacks "fun", IMO. Too many people are competitive, and for some reason camping is far more present in this installment than in the previous COD's. The Singleplayer, was the biggest disappointment. I prefer BattlefieldIn 100% honesty, between Battlefield 3 and Modern Warfare 3, they both suck, and the earlier games in the franchise could do you better... FAR better. Modern Warfare 3 lacks "fun", IMO. Too many people are competitive, and for some reason camping is far more present in this installment than in the previous COD's. The Singleplayer, was the biggest disappointment. I prefer Battlefield 3's, solely because Battlefield 3 ripped of COD4, which was a decent story to unravel. MW3, you just kill Makarov, and for some reason, the developers wanted to kill off all the main characters on the way, which is lazy story telling IMO. But nobody plays this for the Singleplayer, and if you did/were going to get this for that (like I did); trust me, it's crap. The multiplayer will make you want a COD older than Black Ops, and the only good thing that keeps this game "average" IMO, is the Spec Ops Survival mode.… Expand
  6. TLove
    Dec 11, 2011
    6
    Multiplayer: Being a hardcore CoD fan (15+ days in MW1, MW2, Black Ops, 3+ K/D ratio in all of them), I was disappointed. I loved all the other CoD games but that doesn't mean I don't play the crap out of it. The maps are badly designed and don't have the aesthetic pleasure nor the versatility of the maps in previous games. The weapons need a lot of work. The Type 95 is highly overpoweredMultiplayer: Being a hardcore CoD fan (15+ days in MW1, MW2, Black Ops, 3+ K/D ratio in all of them), I was disappointed. I loved all the other CoD games but that doesn't mean I don't play the crap out of it. The maps are badly designed and don't have the aesthetic pleasure nor the versatility of the maps in previous games. The weapons need a lot of work. The Type 95 is highly overpowered and overused, as well as the PP90M1, and the MK14 could use a slight damage reduction. Singleplayer: A lot of people are saying they don't like the singleplayer. I loved it. I started out on Veteran and it had my blood rushing the whole time. Lots of intense combat moments and cool locations for missions as well as all the characters that we've come to love. R.I.P. Soap… Expand
  7. tick509
    Nov 10, 2011
    6
    MW3 is a solid game, but given all the hype I expected more. The graphics are probably the best thing about the game, but great graphics don't guarantee a great game. I like the single player campaign, but the AI could be much better. Mutliplayer has been disappointing.
  8. KingerSays
    Nov 8, 2011
    6
    Reviews of this game on Metacritic are HORRIBLY biased from a fanboy point of view. Being a fan of all first person shooter games, I feel that I am eligible to post to valid review of the game.

    Campaign: The campaign is fantastic. It meets all expectations of the game, and more. The story is very refreshed and is NOT a 'rehash' of other games in the series. 10/10. Multiplayer: I do not    Reviews of this game on Metacritic are HORRIBLY biased from a fanboy point of view. Being a fan of all first person shooter games, I feel that I am eligible to post to valid review of the game.

    Campaign:

    The campaign is fantastic. It meets all expectations of the game, and more. The story is very refreshed and is NOT a 'rehash' of other games in the series. 10/10.

    Multiplayer:

    I do not feel I can review the Multiplayer as of yet as I have not played it enough. Expect a further review of the multiplayer on a later date.

    Engine/Graphics: Although the engine and graphics of this game do not meet those of a certain competitor in the FPS genre, they are still much better than some on the market, and again, are no where near as bad as have been suggested. Although it is disappointing that the graphics could not be improved, the engine is still better (in my eyes) than the same certain competitor. This is because of the very nice, crisp sound that is a huge improvement over both IW 4.0 and Black Ops' varient 3.0. 8/10

    Gameplay:

    Now this is where I believe the game REALLY stands out. The gameplay of Call of Duty, especially this installment (which has gone back to the trademark gameplay of COD4) is usually fantastic. The AI is well polished and MUCH better than a certain competitor on the market and you actually become attached to the characters that you play as. 10/10

    Overall, I give the game 9.5/10, which I will round to 10/10 in order to combat the obviously fanboy-esque reviews of the game.

    If you want to verify that I am not a 'fanboy' myself, please see my other reviews of both Call of Duty and Battlefield installments. This game DOES NOT deserve 2.8 (at this time of writing), and you if you've played it you know that.    … Expand
  9. c0mmander
    Nov 8, 2011
    6
    Very short one this time just highlighting key points.
    Graphics: 6.5 - Certainly not the best on the console anymore, somewhat dated but new engine makes things a bit more sleek.
    Presentation: 6 - Quite well presented but there is a lot of room for improvement again. Gameplay: 7 - Keeps the gameplay fresh with the addtion of new modes and some additional features but nothing    Very short one this time just highlighting key points.
    Graphics: 6.5 - Certainly not the best on the console anymore, somewhat dated but new engine makes things a bit more sleek.
    Presentation: 6 - Quite well presented but there is a lot of room for improvement again.
    Gameplay: 7 - Keeps the gameplay fresh with the addtion of new modes and some additional features but nothing groundbreaking in the slightest
    Lasting Appeal: 7 - Depends on the player, personally the series has become to formulaic and needs a fantastic reboot to help the series make that groundbreaking step of modern warefare this is also applied to why graphics gets a 6.5 its not far enough from nodern warare 2. This game is very frustrating to any fan of the series as it does not innovate but simply reiterates the series formula activision fail to take a risk and end up paying for it through the fans critical analysis of the game.    … Expand
  10. illage2
    Nov 14, 2011
    6
    I am not going to be one of these idiots who rates the game zero. I intend to applaud this game for it's good stuff.

    The campaign was by and large pretty decent, and it made for a nice wrap up of the series, but the advertisements said "WW3", the combat is not to that scale, we're talking small scale skirmishes. I do like the new weapons. The multiplayer has shown some improvement, but    I am not going to be one of these idiots who rates the game zero. I intend to applaud this game for it's good stuff.

    The campaign was by and large pretty decent, and it made for a nice wrap up of the series, but the advertisements said "WW3", the combat is not to that scale, we're talking small scale skirmishes. I do like the new weapons.

    The multiplayer has shown some improvement, but while actually playing the game you can't help but feel like you've played this game last year. The Spec Ops Survival mode is fantastic! Unlike Zombies, MW3's survival mode doesn't see you getting completely swarmed in 5 minutes. I managed to get to Wave 25 on my own, which with Zombies was impossible to even get past round 5 on my own.

    Also before the game's release they were boasting about how balanced the game is, when now we have rank 1's facing off against rank 80's on the first day.

    They said they were going to ban cheaters .... no bans have took place as people are still using Lag switches, and glitches.

    CoD Elite premium has not added any extra content to the game so far, and after the 9 month DLC season, I can't see anyone getting Elite premium any more, as there wouldn't be any point in getting it.

    There are no "big" maps.

    Overall they tried, but we got another Copy-paste-edit of last years game. Granted MW3 is better than Black ops is every way.    … Expand
  11. shackdaddy836
    Nov 10, 2011
    6
    Like it or not, MW3 has changed very little from MW2. The SP is the same type of campaign filled with explosions in an attempt to get your blood rushing yet ends up being boring half-way through. It's also filled with hundreds of plot holes just like MW2 had. The multiplayer has changed very little. Now, instead of killstreaks, you have pointstreaks which is a failed attempt from IW to getLike it or not, MW3 has changed very little from MW2. The SP is the same type of campaign filled with explosions in an attempt to get your blood rushing yet ends up being boring half-way through. It's also filled with hundreds of plot holes just like MW2 had. The multiplayer has changed very little. Now, instead of killstreaks, you have pointstreaks which is a failed attempt from IW to get rid of selfish gamers. The new gamemode - kill confirmed - actually does the opposite of what it was made to do. IW put in kill confirmed into the long list of gamemodes to try to reduce camping by forcing the killer to retrieve a dog tag the enemy drops. However, during my time with the game, I found that people would just camp in a corner, kill someone, wait to see if anyone else is around, then collect the dog tag and run back to their camping spot. Another thing that bothered me was the incredible amount of glitches the game had. IW finished the game about a month and a half early. They could have used that extra time to iron out the game (this is actually why I didn't give the game an 8).

    All-in-all, this game has really disappointed me. The days of Cod4 and fun run n' gun gameplay seem to be over for the CoD franchise. If I were any of you, I would skip this game and save my money.    … Expand
  12. B3ckett
    Nov 8, 2011
    6
    It's hard, really. On one side you have a formula polished over and over, movie-like singleplayer campaign, addicting multiplayer. On the opposite side you feel like you've been here before a dozen times, it's the thing dressed with a higher number and a few new perks. This series requires a bit of amnesia from you. If you can provide that and treat every new installment to the series likeIt's hard, really. On one side you have a formula polished over and over, movie-like singleplayer campaign, addicting multiplayer. On the opposite side you feel like you've been here before a dozen times, it's the thing dressed with a higher number and a few new perks. This series requires a bit of amnesia from you. If you can provide that and treat every new installment to the series like something completely new - you'll like it. But if you've spent your time with CoD, there are only two possible options: a) you'll love it like all previous episodes of the CoD franchise b) you'll yawn after 5 minutes and then turn the game off. I, unfortunately, am in the second group… Expand
  13. ExamplePrime
    Nov 8, 2011
    6
    Lets do this logically
    Story: Completed at a friends in a staggeringly short period of time. This is the short of campaign I expect from indie games releasing a game 'Episode'. Massively cliche, bad dialogue and horrifyingly dull and repititive. Micheal Bay, one adrenaline rush to the next. Unrealistic rushes too. 4/10 (For nice set pieces)
    Gameplay: Exactly the same as when COD4 did it    Lets do this logically
    Story: Completed at a friends in a staggeringly short period of time. This is the short of campaign I expect from indie games releasing a game 'Episode'. Massively cliche, bad dialogue and horrifyingly dull and repititive. Micheal Bay, one adrenaline rush to the next. Unrealistic rushes too. 4/10 (For nice set pieces)
    Gameplay: Exactly the same as when COD4 did it right. Barely a thing changed except now its quicker to reload than switch weapons which is a mess really. Its repititive at best but not much faults Really. 7/10
    Gamestyle: The game is focused around close combat, reflex based snap shooting. It is basically one adrenaline rush after another (that phrase is getting repititive). Its not competitive in any way and doesn't really add anything. 5/10
    Graphics: Nothing fantastic. Nothing horrible. But at times it seemed glitchy and some of the cutscenes seemed unrealistic (planes flying through stuff). Its not awful but its far from perfect. 7.5/10
    Multiplayer: Much like the gameplay but I just wanted to mention how little the maps seemed to have changed and appear to be simple rehases. A lot of work has gone in however to make sure that there is no part where you have long vision and firing possibilties to prevent strategy 5/10    … Expand
  14. eggs874
    Nov 8, 2011
    6
    The game is decent give it what it deserves it is not fantastic and it is not terrible. It is the same as the last game with some new spec ops missions. Oh by the way salemshaikh Battlefield 3 fans are not going to leave for this over hyped game. A game should be able to stand alone on its single player which neither games could do. So what I am trying to say ineffectively is that bothThe game is decent give it what it deserves it is not fantastic and it is not terrible. It is the same as the last game with some new spec ops missions. Oh by the way salemshaikh Battlefield 3 fans are not going to leave for this over hyped game. A game should be able to stand alone on its single player which neither games could do. So what I am trying to say ineffectively is that both games were disappointments to me. Both games get a six in my book.… Expand
  15. talos707
    Nov 8, 2011
    6
    for real, this is the worst game i've ever played. Not only is it a copy paste of mw2 and mw, it is a sheer insult to the intelligence of the human race. The amount of mindless people buying activision's crap is ASTOUNDING. I can no longer trust the reviews of any site. Just play cod 2, it was better than this garbage.
  16. PoloDiaz
    Nov 8, 2011
    6
    Finished the campaign like in 7 hours, it was kind of fun to see the Word War 3, played the online for 2 days it's just about a 10-15 seconds secuence in 3 steps over and over: run, shot, die. It gets so boring after some matches. The graphics are not so good, the sound is normal.

    Gameplay = 8 Graphics = 6 Sound = 7 Online = 7 Campaign Duration = 6 Conclusion = Rent It just to play the    Finished the campaign like in 7 hours, it was kind of fun to see the Word War 3, played the online for 2 days it's just about a 10-15 seconds secuence in 3 steps over and over: run, shot, die. It gets so boring after some matches. The graphics are not so good, the sound is normal.

    Gameplay = 8
    Graphics = 6
    Sound = 7
    Online = 7
    Campaign Duration = 6

    Conclusion = Rent It just to play the campaign, it was kind of fun.    … Expand
  17. sm2049
    Nov 8, 2011
    6
    Don't completely blow this off. I call this the 60$ expansion pack to MW2. The single player campaign is worth playing and picks off where left off for MW2, however the multiplayer is what you come to expect from the ever so popular franchise. Kill confirm is something a little different than other games on the market but instead of inspiring players to work together, it feels like theDon't completely blow this off. I call this the 60$ expansion pack to MW2. The single player campaign is worth playing and picks off where left off for MW2, however the multiplayer is what you come to expect from the ever so popular franchise. Kill confirm is something a little different than other games on the market but instead of inspiring players to work together, it feels like the exact opposite. This being the case that on multiple maps feel like there is a small standstill at times due to the camping and collecting these tags. The pace of multiplayer speeds up with team defender which doubles points of kills while holding a flag. In all honesty, these two ideas felt like a call for help with the multiplayer hitting its limit of capabilities. Graphics are exactly what to expect for a console FPS, perhaps equal to that of BF3 for consoles. After looking at reviews for this game from USA today and other news sources, I almost felt like there was something that IW/BA forgot to put in my game due to the way I feel about the actual performance of the game. The game also renamed functions such as killstreaks to pointstreaks, which can be earned multiple ways such as completing the objective or killing someone. This leads me to the coop player/unlock system of purchasing, instead of leveling, of weapons, ammo, etc... It's hard for me to go more in depth as the multiplayer is nothing special and is in need of a PC like platform to support more than the seemingly tiny amount already in place. It's competitor, Battlefield 3, has kicked it up a notch for multiplayer for PC with absolutely stunning graphics, 64 players, tons of vehicles and weapons kicks Modern Warfare 3 in the teeth and it feels evident with the gameplay that IW tried last minute add-in's that didn't quite work out to draw fans away from EA's BattleFields 3.

    I was a huge fan of Modern Warfare 2 and came in with standard that surpassed in a few areas but still was let down in others. I don't blame the developers as much as the technology that Xbox & ps3 uses is a little more than just a few years old. To me the game feels more like a culture statement than an actual game due to the constant advertisements rolling on the TV, billboard, and shopping mall advertisements that hype up the game for non to occasional gamers category yet is the "same game, different name" category for me. It is worth 60% of the 60$...So 36$.

    Bottom Line: A good game, however the phrase I use "same game, different name" applies. That being said, still worth a crack at it but not as addictive as MW2/BF3 felt to me.    … Expand
  18. ShottyMcLagcamp
    Nov 9, 2011
    6
    I have owned every COD since COD 2. I don't own this one and have only played it for a few hours over a friends. To be blunt COD4 and WAW were VERY good games. But after that MW2 and BLOPS were all the same game. I get it "if it aint broke dont fix it". But even sports games that are the same thing every year know that you need to ADD something to keep your fan base. And thats after theyI have owned every COD since COD 2. I don't own this one and have only played it for a few hours over a friends. To be blunt COD4 and WAW were VERY good games. But after that MW2 and BLOPS were all the same game. I get it "if it aint broke dont fix it". But even sports games that are the same thing every year know that you need to ADD something to keep your fan base. And thats after they get roster changes and natural changes. Why cant MW3 add a custom player, custom factions, war mode, more players, vehicles (WAW) ANYTHING! But the game still isnt unplayable. But I feel most of the reviews are 0s because people felt like they were robbed.… Expand
  19. PickleStiff
    Nov 9, 2011
    6
    I think Im done with the COD series. My biggest grip is the maps, after playing BF3 these maps feel like tiny mazes and there is no strategy except for run in circles and shoot. The single player is pretty good, I dont care what others are saying the graphics are excellent just like the previous titles but the guns sound like crap. MW 1 and 2 to me are two of the best games in history butI think Im done with the COD series. My biggest grip is the maps, after playing BF3 these maps feel like tiny mazes and there is no strategy except for run in circles and shoot. The single player is pretty good, I dont care what others are saying the graphics are excellent just like the previous titles but the guns sound like crap. MW 1 and 2 to me are two of the best games in history but 3 is not even close. The online maps are truly frustrating, I played for 4 hours and every map felt like I was constantly getting shot from behind.
    I noticed they still haven't found a cure for the lag problem too. Too many times I would go down with one shot to the body while I fired off 2 or 3. I dont know how they managed to make these maps so small but yet so confusing with no breaks, the previous games had a variety of wide open to close quarter combat, this one is all the same mess. I'm going back to BF3 tonight,, after playing both these titles back to back BF3 is hands down a better game. When I'm tired of BF3 I will go back to MW2 which was the last great game of the series.    … Expand
  20. AMuffinMassacre
    Nov 9, 2011
    6
    I have always enjoyed the Modern Warfare series. But even though it was clear that Infinity Ward was just making this to put a vacuum to our wallets again, I was still willing to look past that and enjoy this game. I knew I would be a little disappointed by the lack of graphical improvement, but to my surprise the thing that was most disappointing was the maps. I remember I always had myI have always enjoyed the Modern Warfare series. But even though it was clear that Infinity Ward was just making this to put a vacuum to our wallets again, I was still willing to look past that and enjoy this game. I knew I would be a little disappointed by the lack of graphical improvement, but to my surprise the thing that was most disappointing was the maps. I remember I always had my favorite maps in the other Modern Warfare entries, but playing this one I don't have that feeling of "Yes!!! I love this map!". I don't have a single map I look forward too. It seems like they designed by the team who made the black ops maps (which is obviously a negative comparison). The maps don't have that sense of balance that MW2 had, these maps almost encourage corner camping with their design. The gun play I really do enjoy, but what good is gun play when the map you are shooting your guns on is just a cluster f*%$ of poor level choke points, elevation, and poor spawning. I have had over 10 games where I have been spawn camped by the other team, had people spawn directly behind me or in front of me, or been spawned right by the guy who just killed me. I'm sure the spawning can be patched, but maps can't be. Not everything in the game is bad though, the guns, perks, and attachments are still enjoyable if a little stale.… Expand
  21. carlb
    Nov 9, 2011
    6
    Fans of the series will enjoy it but you'd be better off buying a used copy. *** SINGLE PLAYER: This final episode brings the story to a conclusion that will leave most satisfied and does it with flare and style in an enjoyable manner. *** SPEC OPS: If you have the friends to play with, these will keep you engaged for quite some time. *** MULTIPLAYER: Subtle changes that continue theFans of the series will enjoy it but you'd be better off buying a used copy. *** SINGLE PLAYER: This final episode brings the story to a conclusion that will leave most satisfied and does it with flare and style in an enjoyable manner. *** SPEC OPS: If you have the friends to play with, these will keep you engaged for quite some time. *** MULTIPLAYER: Subtle changes that continue the tradition started with previous titles and simple refine what has existed for many years. *** PERFORMANCE: Graphics and sound are both sub-par compared to other titles that have come out this year and the IW engine is showing its age. The guns are the same as previously and do not handle well nor sound as one might hope and animations are clunky. It's time for the Call of Duty team to step up and move beyond their existing technology. Performance is snappy and only trivial bugs were encountered. *** FINAL THOUGHTS: Every die hard first person shooter fan will likely find something in this game that they will enjoy though if you were already growing tired of the other games in the series, this one won't offer anything new or exciting. If you value and desire team work, look elsewhere. If you're on the fence, wait and buy it once the price comes down or pick up a used copy. *** NOTES: Elite was not tested and is not included in this review as the servers were unavailable due to overloading.… Expand
  22. DaveP
    Nov 9, 2011
    6
    Call of duty follows the if it aint broke don't fix it method,Although i found it fun i had many "i have seen this map before" thoughts. The story is predictable and the "explicit content" seems more like a unnecessary marketing ploy than a part of the story. the multiplayer progression is great and the co-op missions (especially the survival ones) keep me entertained. All in all its aCall of duty follows the if it aint broke don't fix it method,Although i found it fun i had many "i have seen this map before" thoughts. The story is predictable and the "explicit content" seems more like a unnecessary marketing ploy than a part of the story. the multiplayer progression is great and the co-op missions (especially the survival ones) keep me entertained. All in all its a game that you should pick up as a fan but doesnt really bring anything new to the table to set itself up as a top dog in shooter season 2011.
    +fun,addictive
    +easy to pick up and play
    ^not a severe learning curve
    -repetitive
    -old engine
    -predictable story    … Expand
  23. DevoutestDoor
    Nov 9, 2011
    6
    The game feels repetitive at times during campaign. The campaign feels boring most of the time. The guns are almost the same but there are some additions, like the XM25, which make the gameplay feel different. Online game modes are amazing. The maps, both online and offline, are average but improvements can be made. The game isn't worth the $55-$65. It's worth more like $45.
  24. Roweks
    Nov 9, 2011
    6
    The innovation, the spark, it just isn't there. Call of Duty 4 revolutionized the franchise and was the first step in the right direction. Modern Warfare 2 was the ascension to the peak of an impressive summit. Unfortunately, though, this game is kind of like climbing the same summit with a helicopter. The developers did not challenge themselves. Innovation is what attracted everyone toThe innovation, the spark, it just isn't there. Call of Duty 4 revolutionized the franchise and was the first step in the right direction. Modern Warfare 2 was the ascension to the peak of an impressive summit. Unfortunately, though, this game is kind of like climbing the same summit with a helicopter. The developers did not challenge themselves. Innovation is what attracted everyone to call of duty only a few years ago. Activision is fortunate to have such a massive, casual fanbase that will buy their games no matter the quality of the product. They need to use this to their advantage! Take some risks! The people that blindly buy a company's every installment aren't the people writing lackluster reviews for the product. The developers need to realize that it is okay to take a year off to recalculate and mess around with the unknown once again. Call of Duty does not need to continue as the Madden of shooter games. I have trouble reviewing the game on a strictly standalone basis because of the painful familiarity. The positive aspects of the game were emphasized in my glorifying review of MW2. This time around I just have more complaints. 6/10… Expand
  25. Fruitpunch
    Nov 9, 2011
    6
    Even though there is a new Call o Duty every year I usually get excited and can't stop playing for the first few days. Yet as soon as I started playing after waiting for an hour in line I yawned. I thought it just needs more time until I get used to it but no. The excitement, the fun I felt with previous titles that really haven't changed since MW1 is gone. I still enjoyed the campaign soEven though there is a new Call o Duty every year I usually get excited and can't stop playing for the first few days. Yet as soon as I started playing after waiting for an hour in line I yawned. I thought it just needs more time until I get used to it but no. The excitement, the fun I felt with previous titles that really haven't changed since MW1 is gone. I still enjoyed the campaign so I'm giving it a 6 but when I want fun challenging multilayer I put in BF3. Call of Duty is played out.… Expand
  26. RawRebel
    Nov 10, 2011
    6
    Glorified map pack is what MW3 is. Maps are too small making snipers ineffective, hit detection is super wonky and single player is only 5 hrs long. Modern Warfare 2 and Black Ops are much better games. Kinda of fun but don't waste 60 dollars on this.
  27. NewJFusi0n
    Nov 10, 2011
    6
    I fell in love with the first two Modern Warfare's, and whilst the second showed a resemblance to the first there were marked differences and it still possessed a good campaign which really got me involved and attached to the characters. As for Modern Warfare 3, well it just didnt have that same thrill to play, The campaign was a little indecisive, It just didn't deliver the same characterI fell in love with the first two Modern Warfare's, and whilst the second showed a resemblance to the first there were marked differences and it still possessed a good campaign which really got me involved and attached to the characters. As for Modern Warfare 3, well it just didnt have that same thrill to play, The campaign was a little indecisive, It just didn't deliver the same character connection as MW1, and when seeing a memorable character die, just didn't have a good enough emotional impact in my opinion. The middle through to the end of the campaign felt quick, rushed and a bit of a let down compared to the other MW games, the multiplayer is still addictive, but with not enough guns, and an out of date engine it just could have been so much better...… Expand
  28. smashed-badger
    Nov 10, 2011
    6
    Single player is very short (beat it in 5 hours 40mins on hardened) and totally throw away. There are too many turret/on-rails sequences and the stealth sections allow for very little improvisation. However no other game can rival its coop and multiplayer modes.
  29. Boxies
    Sep 16, 2019
    6
    This game is game of the year. That year is 2007. There are barely any noticable improvements, apart from new maps and a few new weapons. The gameplay is stale, and if you have been playing COD since COD4, you will experience fatigue with this release. The same rehashed gameplay, with literally the same textures from MW2. A solid expansion pack, however if you release a retail game, expectThis game is game of the year. That year is 2007. There are barely any noticable improvements, apart from new maps and a few new weapons. The gameplay is stale, and if you have been playing COD since COD4, you will experience fatigue with this release. The same rehashed gameplay, with literally the same textures from MW2. A solid expansion pack, however if you release a retail game, expect to be treated like one.… Expand
  30. mattabaster
    Nov 10, 2011
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Modern Warfare 3 stands alone in what is the largest expansion pack ever released, and here is why that is so. (Minor, ever so Minor Spoilers) First the campaign - As many people know, Modern Warfare series has had some, short, but decent single player options, from the first time you **** your gun on the hull of the rocking ship in Call Of Duty 4 to the epic invasion of the USA by Russia in Modern Warfare 2. The Single Player has never disappointed in its cinematic offerings and didn't disappoint in MW3 with the Defense of New York being the set piece opener, but after this exciting opener, the single player fizzled out, maybe resurfacing this excitement at a few, extremely short set pieces. One with a Zero G fight in a plane crashing to the ground and a James Bond esque level in a Diamond Mine. The conclusion to the Makarov - Price story sees the campaign fall flat on its face. I found myself asking, "Is that it?" and also, the little attempt to conjure up some emotion does not deliver on what it should. With the gameplay having a good variation, from being on the ground running from a tank to being up in the air in a AC-130 but these sections last for a short while then end, leaving the fun at the last checkpoint. The orchestra of Hans Zimmer (a personal favorite of mine) seems to fit greatly, with music that harkens back to the first Transformer film but It is unfortunately dround by the gunfire and screaming, usually, I wouldn't get annoyed at this as, after all you are in a war zone, but the lack of an option to control the audio settings for Music, Effects and Speech left a bitter taste in my mouse. It seems infinity ward have taken out most of the user control. I'd give the campaign a 5 in comparaison with the other MW campaigns, and a 7 compared to most military shooter campaigns. After finishing the somewhat dull conclusion to a story arc I personally really enjoyed, I turned my attention to MULTIPLAYER, the main part of the Modern Warfare series.

    Entering my first game, I picked my class, and was dropped straight into a match of Team Deathmatch.
    I immeadiatly found the multiplayer game to be exactly the same as MW2's. I shrugged this off, seeking some change which I found in the form of how the kill streaks have been turned into point streaks now, which allows all people to have an even chance of gaining a support, attack or special package. After a few games I found myself distraught, the spawning system is broken, I found myself at one point spawning in exactly the same place as I died and spawn killing is rife within the maps. The maps..
    The Maps are dull, and no overgrowns, no classic maps came out of the map rotor which I found depressing and the lack of large maps leans towards run and gun gameplay giving no chance for any snipers to have a chance. At least they took out stopping power and juggernaut. In Black Ops, I found myself enjoying the option of being able to create custom gamemodes, with myself creating a zombie game type with different types of zombies that could move slow, fast, have more health or less. I found you could do the same so I went to create the zombie game type all over again only to find Infinity Ward have taken out the ability to change class attributes! Its like Infinity Ward have taken everything Treyarch have done and removed it which is fair enough but when some of those things are good, why bother taking them out? I'd give the multiplayer a 6.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2011
1
#1 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2011
13
#13 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 81 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 79 out of 81
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 81
  3. Negative: 0 out of 81
  1. Gamer Limit
    Jan 11, 2012
    85
    Ultimately, Modern Warfare 3 feels similar to it's brethren, but that doesn't mean it isn't a great game. The single player element is still exciting, and multiplayer has more options than ever – if you're a fan of Call of Duty, Modern Warfare 3 is a no brainer.
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  2. Game Over Online
    Dec 28, 2011
    84
    Modern Warfare 3, while still an excellent thrill ride in its own right, feels far too similar to MW2 or even Black Ops for my taste.
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  3. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    Dec 12, 2011
    88
    I never expected Modern Warfare 3 to go toe-to-toe with EA's juggernaut this year, but it came out of the gates with a tour de force campaign and co-op mode. It loses points with a perhaps too-familiar multiplayer that caters to the juvenile on Xbox Live; though don't be mistaken, Modern Warfare 3 is one hell of a shooter and a highlight for a series that just won't die – no matter how much we wish it bloody would, at times.
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